Nityananda among 30 booked in connection with clash at Bidadi Ashram

12:41 PM, Saturday, June 9th, 2012

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Bangalore: The controversy that broke out following a clash between scribes and followers of self-proclaimed Godman Nityananda at his Bidadi Ashram is taking new turns every day. On Friday, police have arrested more than 30 people including the Godman and his followers in connection with the case of assault of a journalist.

The arrested also include a few activists of pro-Kannada outfits. It has been reported that on Thursday a few of the followers of Nityananda had manhandled a scribe. Meanwhile, the press conference arranged on Friday took a new turn when the godman’s followers allowed a few scribes inside while denying entry to many others. However, when scribes protested, the followers said this was due to the programme aired by a channel defaming the Swami. At the same time hundreds of members of pro-Kannada organizations began protesting outside the ashram and a few even entered the gates and began pelting stones, ultimately resulting in their arrest. Even the banners, cut-outs of Nityananda on Bangalore-Mysore Road were ripped apart and black paint was smeared on the pictures of Nityananda by angry protestors.

At the press meet venue, the mention of the word Kannada goondas irked a couple of Kannada activists who had gained entry as reporters and they walked out. However, Nityananda was not at sight when the clashes took place. Prohibitory orders have been clamped throughout Ramnagar till June 13.